Related Topics

Gastroenterology (Digestive Health)

Abdominal pain in childhood is as predictable as loose teeth and skinned knees. But when digestive problems start interfering with your child’s life, it’s time to talk to your primary care doctor about a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist. At Nemours, our board-certified doctors evaluate, diagnose and treat a variety of conditions in pediatric gastroenterology or “pediatric GI.”

Read More About Pediatric Gastroenterology (Pediatric GI)

Pediatric GI Conditions We Treat

abdominal pain

allergic diseases of the gastrointestinal system

celiac disease (intolerance to gluten protein)

constipation

diseases of the liver or pancreas

disorders affecting nutrient absorption (also called malabsorption)

esophagitis

feeding disorders

feeding intolerance requiring feeding tube placement (when a tube is inserted to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach via the nose — called a nasogastric, or NG tube — or through an opening in the abdomen — called a gastrostomy, or G tube)

motility disorders (slow or rapid movement of the stomach or intestines)

pancreatic disease

polyps

recurrent diarrhea

recurrent vomiting

short gut (also called short bowel syndrome)

Integrated Specialty Care for Pediatric Digestive Disorders

We have specialty programs dedicated to the care of children with specific chronic pediatric GI conditions. These clinics allow for a Nemours pediatric gastroenterologist to work alongside other pediatric specialists, nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers and registered dietitians in a child-centered environment.

If your child has a digestive issue, you can be assured that the pediatric gastroenterology specialists at Nemours duPont Pediatrics, Upland are specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in children.

What to Expect at Your Child's Gastroenterology Visit

At Nemours duPont Pediatrics, Upland, your child’s initial visit with us will include a thorough physical exam by one of our pediatric gastroenterology physicians. The exam will cover medical and family history, and questions about the frequency and severity of your child’s symptoms.

Based on the exam findings, we may then recommend further tests:

blood and urine tests

specialized X-rays

endoscopy (evaluating the esophagus, stomach or intestines through a tiny scope)

Typically, a scope is inserted, under sedation, into your child’s upper digestive tract via the throat or into the intestines via the anus (colonoscopy), depending on what view is necessary.

The goal of treatment is always to alleviate your child’s symptoms as quickly as possible and, when necessary, to provide an ongoing management plan to maintain your child’s good digestive health.